Corvinus University of Budapest

What you'll study

The programme focuses on the complex, practice-oriented application of sustainability principles in formal and non-formal education. Teaching combines theoretical foundations with classroom-ready tools and school development methods.

• Foundations of sustainability science and systems thinking — core concepts from environmental science, social equity and economic sustainability, with emphasis on interconnections and long-term perspectives.
• Sustainability pedagogy and curriculum design — learner-centred, inquiry-based and project-based approaches; aligning national curricula with sustainability competencies and developing cross-curricular units.
• Place-based and community-engaged learning — methods for linking schools to local ecosystems, municipalities and civil society organisations; service-learning and citizen science projects.
• Assessment, evaluation and action research — formative and summative assessment of sustainability learning; designing small-scale teacher research and quality improvement cycles for schools.
• School development and leadership for sustainability — whole-school strategies, sustainability action plans, stakeholder engagement and policy alignment at institutional level.
• Didactics for diverse learners — inclusive approaches, differentiated instruction and competences for empowering young people to act responsibly.
• Practical placement and capstone portfolio — implementation of a school or community project, supported by supervision, and a reflective portfolio demonstrating applied competence.

Delivery typically combines taught seminars, workshops, fieldwork and supervised practice. Assessment is based on assignments, project work, reflective portfolio and a final professional examination or defence.

Entry requirements

• Completed higher education degree (usually a teacher training degree or a related BA/Master's) recognised by Hungarian authorities.
• Professional teaching qualification or demonstrable professional experience in education; applicants who work in non-formal education may be considered if they can demonstrate relevant practice.
• Several years of professional experience in a school or educational organisation is normally expected to ensure applicants can connect learning to practice.
• Evidence of Hungarian language proficiency sufficient for study and professional practice in Hungarian-medium schools; other support arrangements may apply for specific modules.
• Application materials typically include a CV, copies of diploma(s), teaching certificate or employment verification, and a statement of purpose outlining a proposed school or community project.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with an advanced professional qualification that supports a range of career paths in education and beyond.

• Classroom teacher or subject teacher with responsibility for sustainability education and cross-curricular projects.
• School coordinator or leader for sustainability, responsible for whole-school action plans, environmental management and community partnerships.
• Curriculum developer, educational consultant or trainer working with local authorities, NGOs or teacher training centres to mainstream sustainability competences.
• Non-formal educator, programme manager or outreach officer in museums, nature centres, environmental NGOs and municipal education initiatives.
• Teacher-researcher implementing classroom-based action research and contributing to school improvement and policy development.

Why study at Corvinus University of Budapest

• Corvinus has a strong interdisciplinary tradition connecting social sciences, economics and environmental studies, creating a balanced perspective on sustainability in education.
• The programme is practice-oriented and developed with input from schools, municipal partners and civil society, so participants gain immediately usable tools and local networks.
• Teaching staff combine academic expertise and school experience; participants are mentored through real-world projects that link classroom learning to community needs.
• Students benefit from Corvinus' institutional links within Hungary and the region, access to research centres and opportunities for collaboration on applied sustainability initiatives.
• The course is structured to be compatible with in-service teachers' schedules, using modular delivery, workshops and supervised placements to balance professional commitments and study.